Declan Rice claims that ‘every Premier League player’ wants to see VAR scrapped

An emotional Rice said he was not alone in hoping VAR was scrapped

West Ham midfielder has insisted that “every Premier League player” is desperate for VAR to be scrapped after West Ham were denied a late equaliser at Sheffield United on Friday night.

Behind to Oliver McBurnie’s goal at the start of the second half, the Hammers thought they had snatched a draw in injury time.

Robert Snodgrass looked to have made it 1-1 when he squeezed a low shot between a post and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but replays showed that the ball had hit Declan Rice’s arm in the build up.

And, after the match, an emotional Rice said he was not alone in hoping VAR was scrapped.

He said: “We’re fuming really. All the lads in there are livid. It’s a tough place to come. They’ve been excellent all season.

“Credit to them, they’ve grinded it out again and won the game. We’ve done well, we knew what we were coming up against, created some chances and missed the chances.

“And yeah, the goal is a tough one to take because a point on the road would have been good for us.”

He later added: “He’s headed the ball onto my arm?! where am I supposed to put it if I’m in a running motion? Really don’t get it, gutted.

“I’m in a forward running motion. He’s headed the ball into my hand. If you’re running like that the ball hits your hand. I’ve not intentionally meant to handball it. Mike’s (Oliver) not seen it. VAR’s checked it and they’ve disallowed it. It’s a real kick in the teeth.

“I don’t think it’s just me, I think it’s the thoughts of every Premier League player. Pretty much everyone doesn’t want VAR in the game. There’s been so many decisions that have been absolutely crazy.” PA